Ajinkya Deo on *Prahaar* Role: "It Was About Restraint, Not Performance"

Following his appearance in the digital series *Brown*, Deo will portray the Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) who was involved in Mumbai's response to the 26/11 terror attacks in the Rajkummar Rao-starrer.

Speaking about his preparation for the role, Deo said he focused on details that could communicate the character's experience and authority without making the performance feel exaggerated.

His preparation included paying close attention to body language, posture, pauses and the quiet fatigue of a senior police officer operating under immense pressure during a crisis.

"What this role demanded from me wasn't performance; it was restraint," Deo said.

He also spoke about the character's reported role in supporting public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam during the early stages of the case following the attacks.

According to Deo, the officer recognised something distinctive in Nikam and backed him to take on the case despite the enormous pressure surrounding it.

"That's not a small decision to make when the whole country is watching and waiting for answers," he said.

Deo added that he did not want to simply imitate the officer he is portraying, but instead tried to understand the responsibility and pressure associated with the position.

"I tried to carry that weight into every scene. I didn't want to imitate him but to earn the right to stand in his shoes," he added.

Directed by Avinash Arun, *Prahaar: The Ujjwal Nikam Story* stars Rajkummar Rao in the lead role as public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam.

The trailer was recently launched at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in Mumbai, one of the locations that was targeted during the 26/11 attacks.

The film is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on October 16, 2026.

Deo also has another major project in the pipeline with *Ramayana*, starring Ranbir Kapoor and Yash. He is set to portray Sage Vishwamitra in the mythological drama, which is scheduled for release on November 6.